UFC releases 12-year veteran Shem Rock after 0-2 run

The UFC has parted ways with 12-year veteran Shem Rock after a 0-2 Octagon run, removing him from the official roster this week. Rock, a former Clan Wars featherweight champion, debuted with a decision loss to Nurullo Aliev in Qatar last November, then fell to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady at UFC London last month. Alongside Gilbert Burns' retirement post-UFC Winnipeg loss to Mike Malott, this signals roster cleanup ahead of UFC Fight Night headlined by Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal. It underscores the promotion's high standards in the ultra-competitive featherweight division. Rock may return to Oktagon MMA; expect more cuts as schedule intensifies.